#Japan #Tokyo #Ericsson #5G Technology #Docomo

Ericsson Expands DOCOMO's 5G Capacity with AIR 3255 Technology

American technology giant Ericsson has officially deployed its advanced AIR 3255 Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna-integrated radios in NTT DOCOMO's 5G network. This launch, which kicked off in December 2025, aims to significantly enhance the network's capacity in areas that experience high traffic volumes, thereby addressing both current demands and future growth.

The AIR 3255 models specifically operate within the 4.5 GHz band, marking a strategic addition to DOCOMO's existing infrastructure. These radios are poised to meet the ever-increasing data traffic demands prevalent in urban centers and densely populated regions. The introduction of the AIR 3255 underscores a commitment between Ericsson and DOCOMO to advance the overall user experience in Japan's mobile communication landscape.

Masafumi Masuda, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Radio Access Network Design Department at NTT DOCOMO, highlighted the necessity of enhancing network quality amid growing traffic metrics. According to Masuda, the integration of Massive MIMO radios such as the AIR 3255 is pivotal in sustaining and elevating the quality of services provided to customers. He noted, “Ericsson's AIR 3255 is instrumental in progressing our Massive MIMO rollout and significantly enhances the customer experience.”

Key Features of the AIR 3255

The AIR 3255 radios are fueled by the latest Ericsson Silicon, providing 25% lower energy consumption and a 20% reduced embodied carbon footprint compared to previous models. Weighing in at approximately 13 kilograms, these units are also 20% lighter than their predecessors. Such weight improvements facilitate easier installations in high-traffic locations and amplify operational efficiency.

Additionally, the AIR 3255 radios are designed to support advanced features such as multi-user MIMO functionality. This capability allows the radios to efficiently handle multiple data streams, thereby maintaining high throughput levels even in congested network conditions. The collaborative operation with DOCOMO's existing 3.7 GHz Massive MIMO radios will also bolster spectrum efficiency, ensuring scalability as data consumption continues to grow.

Chafic Nassif, Senior Vice President and Head of Ericsson North East Asia, reiterated the significance of the partnership between Ericsson and DOCOMO. He stated, “Our collaboration marks a leap forward in enhancing our network capabilities while prioritizing environmental sustainability and operational cost reductions.”

Looking Ahead

The deployment of the AIR 3255 technology is more than just an upgrade; it is a strategic move towards realizing the full potential of 5G networks in Japan. With an ever-increasing reliance on digital communication and data services, Ericsson's advanced solutions are a necessary evolution in achieving robust network performance and reliability.

The introduction of these sophisticated radios aligns with global trends toward improving connectivity while addressing environmental concerns, a dual objective that technology companies are increasingly factoring into their operational models. As the landscape of telecommunications continues to develop, partnerships like that of Ericsson and DOCOMO are set to redefine the contours of mobile experiences for consumers and businesses alike.

With such timely enhancements in place, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for mobile technology advancements in Japan, paving the way for a smarter, more connected future it will drive innovations across multiple sectors.